SWEEP Net

As a result of different bi- and multi-lateral interventions in the region a multitude of loose and informal contacts between experts and decision makers with regard to solid waste management exist. However, a concept for a sustainable and structured exchange of experience and expertise on regional level is not yet in place.

The European Commission (EC) has funded a “Regional Solid Waste Management Program” (RSWMP) that has been executed by the “Mediterranean Environmental Technical Assistance Program” (METAP) of the World Bank and hosted by the Tunisian Waste Management Agency (ANGed) in Tunis. The project was based on the request of eight regional governments (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria and Tunisia). After the RSWMP came to an end in 2007 none of the represented national institutions took care of the achievements and results and all activities were ceased.

Launching process

In June 2008 a declaration has been signed between representatives of ten countries from the region (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauretania, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen) expressing their willingness to catch-up the achievements of the RSWMP and transfer it into a permanent structure for the exchange of experience and expertise. The German Government has been approached for technical assistance. At the regional meeting in June 2009 the regional network “SWEEP-Net” has been officially launched.

In June 2010 the first SWEEP-Net regional conference took place in Tunis. As a result of the three days meeting and with the consensus of the steering committee it has been agreed upon developing an institutional and legal structure for SWEEP-Net that allows acting independently. Further on the organs, functions, membership and working modes and financing needs to be elaborated and approved by the steering committee in 2011.

The partners

During its first phase SWEEP-Net will be supported by the German Federal government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Development Cooperation) and the Tunisian Government through the National Waste Management Agency “ANGed”. The SWEEP-Net’s secretariat is located in Tunisia.